This guide demonstrates the process of downgrading the LineageOS ROM. When it comes to custom development, there’s a wide array of ROMs available. Yet, LineageOS often stands out as a preferred choice. It delivers a polished, stock-like user experience along with a fast, responsive, and reliable operating system. Additionally, LineageOS is known for its prompt release of OS upgrades, often leading the pack in terms of speed.
However, in some instances, it might be the case that the update ends up breaking some functionality on your device. For example, certain features that were working smoothly before the update could become glitchy or non-functional. Or the changes introduced in the update might not align with your specific requirements.
This could include alterations to the user interface that you find less intuitive or changes to settings that affect your workflow negatively. Additionally, a few apps may not yet be compatible with the latest OS release, leading to potential issues with app performance or crashes. In all these instances, your best bet for a seamless experience is to consider downgrading the LineageOS ROM. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of reverting to a previous ROM version. So without further ado, let’s delve into the details and get started.
How to Downgrade LineageOS ROM
The process will erase all data from your device, so ensure you back up your device entirely beforehand. AMS and its members cannot be held responsible in the event of a thermonuclear war, your alarm failing to wake you up, or any issues with your device or data resulting from following the steps below.
- To begin, download and extract the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC.
- Download the older version of LineageOS ROM from the official website along with its partition files. Transfer these files to the platform tools folder.
- Next, activate USB Debugging and link your device to your PC using a USB cable.
To begin, launch Command Prompt within the platform-tools directory, then enter the following command:
adb reboot bootloader
Next, enter the command below to obtain a serial ID:
fastboot devices
If you’re not receiving an ID, ensure you have installed fastboot drivers on your PC.
Flash the IMG files to their corresponding partitions. Note: I have included commands for all LineageOS partition files, use only those provided for your device by LineageOS.
fastboot wipe-super super_empty.img
fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img
fastboot flash vendor_boot vendor_boot.img
fastboot flash vendor_kernel_boot vendor_kernel_boot.img
fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot reboot recovery
Your device is about to reboot into LineageOS Recovery. Once there, navigate to Factory Reset > Format Data/Factory Reset > Format Data.
Your device will now begin the reset process to restore it to its factory settings. After the reset is completed, you will receive a notification confirming that the data wipe has been successfully executed.
- Next, you will need to sideload the previous version of LineageOS.
- To do that, navigate to Apply Update > Apply from ADB.
- Enter the following command to flash the ROM file using Sideload:
adb sideload rom.zip
- The process will commence now, and upon completion, you will receive the message “Total xfer: 1.00x”.
- To install any ZIP file like GApps or Magisk, select YES in the prompt that pops up. This action will trigger a reboot to LineageOS Recovery on your device.
- If you prefer not to flash any ZIP files, choose “No” and then select “Reboot System Now.” Your device will restart with the updated LineageOS.
That’s it! These steps provide you with a guide on how to downgrade the LineageOS ROM. If you encounter any questions or need further clarification on the aforementioned steps, feel free to drop your queries in the comments section. Our team will promptly assist you with a solution. Thank you for your understanding and patience!